Ten Important Business Etiquettes

Your personal and professional behavior defines your personality. Business etiquettes play an integral part as well. The individuals must make sure that they follow certain business etiquettes which help them grow in the longer run.

Here are ten most important business etiquettes you need to adhere in a corporate environment:

1. Handshake is still the professional way to greet others

Handshake which is considered as a simple professional gesture demonstrates your positive side of personality. It also sets the tone for any potential future professional relationship. It is always worth it to make the extra effort to offer your hand when required. Remember, to keep it firm and quick.

2. Always say Please and Thank You

Using Please and Thank you is the basic form of courtesy and is followed in a very casual professional environment. Handwritten thank you note at the end of any written conversation is the right way to go.

It sounds rude and shows disrespect if you interrupt others and do not listen to their opinions in the middle of a conversation. Be a patient listener and respect others viewpoints as well. Note your points to be discussed after the other person has finished speaking.

4. Watch your Language

Verbal and written communications matter the most and one should be careful to choose words wisely.

5. Don’t indulge in gossips

It is so hard sometimes to resist engaging in a little harmless gossip but it is more damaging to indulge in such kind of talks.

6. Don’t eavesdrop

One should avoid listening to private conversations or stand over someone’s shoulder and read their emails. Even you won’t like this to be done to yourself. Would you? Don’t trust the rumors you may hear and more importantly don’t ever be the person to spread the rumors.

7. Be on Time

Being punctual shows others that you value their time. Being late shows that you are casual in your approach and don’t respect time. Always arrive a little early for the meetings so you don’t seem rushed and settle down before the meeting starts.

8. No Phone Calls During Meetings

When you are in a meeting, focus on the discussions. Don’t take calls, text or check emails during the middle of meetings. This does not just shift the focus from the current topic, also shows disrespect to the speaker and other participants.

9. Stop crossing and uncrossing your legs

When you have been sitting for a while, it is natural to be uncomfortable after a while. However, repeatedly rearranging your legs can be distracting, especially during meetings. Don’t forget that crossing your legs is bad for the blood circulation too.

10. Reply to Everyone on emails when it is necessary

One should be professional and reply to emails, but don’t keep just about everyone in the cc even if they have nothing to do with that subject. Keep only the person concerned in the cc.